From Desert Oracle Radio, this is The Eldritch Republic, our new series about America’s strange history & uncanny folklore.

Tonight we visit the beautiful country estate of Clement Clarke Moore, the big house called "Chelsea" where he read his Christmas poem to the family. The poem is "A Visit From St. Nicholas," and the country estate is now the neighborhood of Chelsea, New York City.

Santa Claus, it turns out, is a New York City native. He was created from old Dutch traditions of St. Nicholas and Sinterklaas, by NYC boosters and literary men such as Clement C. Moore, Washington Irving and John Pintard.

Written and hosted by Ken Layne, with soundscapes by RedBlueBlackSilver.

Desert Oracle Radio © ℗ 2017-2025 https://DesertOracle.com

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/desertoracle

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Desert Oracle Radio, this is The Eldritch Republic, our new series that’s all about America’s strange history & uncanny folklore.

Tonight we meet William Dunbar, frontier scientist on the Lower Mississippi, and hear his weird report to longtime friend Thomas Jefferson, regarding a large, low-flying mystery object that stunned the people of Baton Rouge in the Spring of 1800.

Written and hosted by Ken Layne, with soundscapes by RedBlueBlackSilver.

Desert Oracle Radio © ℗ 2017-2025 https://DesertOracle.com

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/desertoracle

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were two attempted assassinations of President Gerald Ford in September 1975. Both in California, both by women, and both with strange connections to Charles Manson. And then there was third incident six months later, involving not the president, but First Lady Betty Ford. A very strange third incident.

This is The Eldritch Republic, a new collection of uncanny history and American folklore from Desert Oracle Radio. Just in time for the Halloween season, with new episodes throughout the U.S. Sestercentennial, 2026. Written & hosted by Ken Layne, with soundscapes by RedBlueBlackSilver.

Desert Oracle Radio © ℗ 2017-2025 http://DesertOracle.com

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/desertoracle

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.